It's been a long time since the Bulldogs and Panthers last met – so far back that it was coach Des Hasler's first game in charge of the Bulldogs, in Round 1 of last season!
The Panthers did OK in the first half, and led 12-6 at the break, but they weren't able to offer much more than that.
Injuries to Panthers trio Michael Gordon, David Simmons and Blake Austin left them with a severely depleted bench and the Bulldogs finished well over the top of them in the second half to win 22-14.
The try of the game was scored soon after halftime by Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba, capitalising on a break by bench forward Corey Payne.
The game was marred by controversy following a shoulder charge by Bulldogs second-rower Frank Pritchard on Panthers winger David Simmons that left Simmons concussed and Pritchard subsequently suspended for one game.
